There was added concern for the Week 5 status of Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty on Thursday and things only got worse early on Friday.
Jeanty started out the week on the injury report with an ankle issue, which is a problem he has been dealing with for weeks now.
However, Jeanty had a foot issue added to the ankle injury on Thursday and he was a limited participant in practice, which was a downgrade from Wednesday and could suggest he suffered the injury during that session.
Then, on Friday, Jeanty was not spotted during the open portion of practice.
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“Raiders last practice before heading to New England. Ashton Jeanty is not out here to start,” The Athletic’s Sam Warren reported.
The hope is that Jeanty will show up later and get in at least some semblance of practice on Friday, but that remains to be seen.
We’ll know more later in the day, when the Raiders drop their final injury report.
For now, things aren’t looking good for the second-year back, who is likely headed for a questionable tag, at best.
How Raiders would fill the void
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) hands off to Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Is Jeanty is forced to sit, the Raiders will utilize Mike Washington as his replacement.
Taken in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Washington turned heads during training camp and the preseason with his strong play.
We haven’t heard much from the Arkansas product since then, though, as Jeanty has dominated touches in Las Vegas’ backfield.
Even still, Washington has been pretty solid with his limited opportunities, with the rookie posting five yards per carry on his 24 totes, and he has found the end zone once.
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We wouldn’t expect Washington to be an every-series three-down back, though, as he has barely been utilized in the passing game this season.
Instead, look for the team’s RB3, Dylan Laube, to gobble up most of the passing-game work.
With Laube and Washington being the only other backs on the roster outside of Jeanty, the team will elevate one if the former No. 6 overall pick doesn’t play.
That choice will be between Owen Wright and Roman Hemby.
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